Recording and/or reproducing apparatus with changeable number of recorded pictures per unit of time

ABSTRACT

A recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes among other functions a recording arrangement which has first and second recording modes, such as field- and frame-recording modes, and is capable of varying the number of picture planes to be recorded per unit time is arranged to control the recording speed setting range to be different between recording speeds for the first recording mode and recording speeds for the second recording modes; and, in the event of setting of a recording speed which can be set for the first recording mode but cannot be set for the second mode, the recording speed is automatically changed to a recording speed which can be set for the second recording mode.

This is a continuation application under 37 CFR 1.62 of priorapplication Ser. No. 07/921,423, filed Jul. 28, 1992 abandoned, which isa continuation of Ser. No. 07/517,395 filed Mar. 30, 1990 abandoned,which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/007,374 filed Jan. 27, 1987abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a recording and/or reproducing apparatus andmore particularly to an apparatus arranged to record and/or reproducevideo signals.

2. Description of the Related Art

The known recording apparatus of the recording speed variable kindinclude apparatuses arranged to record a still picture on a magneticsheet called an "SV floppy disc." The still picture recording apparatusis arranged to permit setting a number of recordable still pictures, forexample, at two, five or ten picture planes.

In case that the recording apparatus of this type is arranged to permitselection of either a frame recording mode in which a frame video signalconsisting of two interlaced fields and a field recording mode in whicha field video signal consisting of a single field is recorded, thevariable recording speed range of the field recording mode differs fromthat of the frame recording mode. Therefore, a recording speed set forthe field recording mode is not always adaptable for the frame recordingmode. This problem has been encountered in general by recordingapparatuses of the kind having first and second recording modes whichhave different recordable amounts of information in recordinginformation and arranged to be capable of varying the recording speedfrom one speed to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of this invention to solve the above stated problemin a recording apparatus which has first and second recording modes fordifferent recordable amounts of information and has variable recordingspeeds.

Under this object, a recording apparatus arranged as a preferredembodiment thereof is provided with control means for differentiatingthe recording speed setting range of the above stated first recordingmode from that of the second recording mode.

Further, in this embodiment, where the first recording mode is changedover to the second recording mode when the recording speed is set atsuch a speed that can be set in the first recording mode but not can beset in the second recording mode, the set recording speed isautomatically changed to another recording speed which can be set in thesecond mode.

It is a second object of this invention to provide a reproducingapparatus which is capable of permitting adequate setting of areproducing sequence in setting a programed reproduction mode in whichthe reproducing sequence of information recorded on a medium is preset.

Under that object, a reproducing apparatus which is arranged accordingto this invention as a preferred embodiment thereof to reproduceinformation from memory means having the information recorded there in aplurality of blocks comprises: storage means for storing a signaldesignating a sequence in which the blocks of information are to bereproduced; reproducing means for reproducing the information from thememory means according to the signal stored at the storage means; andcontrol means which, in storing the reproducing sequence designatingsignal at the storage means, ensures that the recorded information isreproduced by the reproducing means from a record block according to thedesignating signal.

It is a third object of this invention to provide a reproducingapparatus having a mode in which reproduction is performed while thereproducing position is automatically changed at predetermined timeintervals, wherein the reproducing position can be manually changed asdesired during the process of automatic reproduction; and, after themanual change, reproduction is again performed by automatically changingthe reproducing positions.

To attain this object, a reproducing apparatus arranged as a preferredembodiment thereof comprises: memory means for having informationrecorded in a plurality of blocks; signal generating means forgenerating signals according to a designated reproducing sequence;reproducing means for reproducing the information from the memory meanson the basis of the signal from the signal generating means; shiftinstructing means for generating an instruction to shift the reproducingsequence; and control means which causes the reproducing means toreproduce an information block different from a block currently underreproduction when the shift instruction is generated during the processof reproduction and to come back to perform reproduction again on thebasis of the signal from the signal generating means after reproductionis performed from the different block for a predetermined period oftime.

It is a fourth object of this invention to provide a recording and/orreproducing apparatus which is, despite of a simple structuralarrangement, capable of adequately controlling recording and reproducingtiming.

It is a fifth object of this invention to provide a recording and/orreproducing apparatus arranged to record along with a video signal anidentification signal showing whether the video signal is recorded in afield recording mode or in a frame recording mode and, in reproduction,to have two field recorded video signals reproduced in the form of aframe picture by automatically detecting the identification signal.

Further objects and features of this invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of embodiments thereof taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an embodiment ofthis invention.

FIG. 2 shows in combinations the switching positions of switches SW2 toSW5 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a remote control device to be used incombination with the same embodiment apparatus.

FIGS. 5 to 13 and 15 to 18 are flow charts showing the operation of aCPU 40 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of arrangement of a program memory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In an embodiment described below, this invention is applied to arecording and/or reproducing apparatus which is of the kind arranged torecord and/or reproduce a still picture video signal on or from a discshaped recording medium, i.e. a disc-shaped magnetic sheet.

FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the embodiment in a block diagram. Themagnetic sheet 1 has the positions of video signal recording orreproducing tracks and the track pitch predetermined thereon. Thesetracks are concentrically formed. In the case of a frame video signalwhich has one field portion of the video signal recorded in one track,one-field video signals recorded in two adjacent tracks jointly form oneframe video signal. A DC motor 2 is arranged to cause the magnetic sheet1 to rotate at a constant speed. In-line type heads 3-1 and 3-2 arearranged to have access to two adjacent tracks. The head 3-1 is havingaccess to the track on the outer circumferential side of the magneticsheet 1 and the head 3-2 to the other track on the inner circumferentialside. A magnetic head shifting device 4 is arranged to shift thepositions of the magnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2 to bring them to the tracksformed on the magnetic sheet 1. An innermost track detection switch 5shifts from an OFF state to an ON state when the magnetic head 3-2 hasaccess to the innermost track on the magnetic sheet 1 and then producesa low level signal which is supplied to a microcomputer (hereinafterreferred to as CPU) 40. A reproduction amplifier 6 is arranged toamplify signals detected by the magnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2. A leveldetector 7 is arranged to detect a mean level value of the output signalof the reproduction amplifier 6. A comparator 8 is arranged to detectwhether the output of the level detector 7 is higher than a thresholdvalue set at a reference voltage source which is not shown. Ademodulation circuit 9 is arranged to demodulate the output signal ofthe reproduction amplifier 6. A 1/2 H delay circuit 10 is arranged todelay the output of the demodulation circuit 9 as much as 1/2 horizontalscanning period (hereinafter referred to as 1/2 H). A synchronizingsignal separation circuit 11 is arranged to separate synchronizingsignals such as a horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and a verticalsynchronizing signal Vsync, etc., from the output of the demodulationcircuit 9. A data demodulator 12 is arranged to detect a predetermineddata signal from the output of the reproduction amplifier 6 and todemodulate the data signal according to the timing of the synchronizingsignal separated by the separation circuit 11. The data signal is of alower frequency zone than the video signal and is recorded in a positionin a predetermined positional relation to a part where the thesynchronizing signal is recorded within the same track. The demodulationcircuit 9 and the data demodulator 12 are separately arranged for thefollowing reason: The video signal recorded on the magnetic sheet 1 isfrequency modulated. Whereas, for the data signals other than the videosignal, a DPSK (differential phase shift keying) modulation method whichdiffers from the frequency modulation is employed. While thedemodulation circuit 9 is arranged to frequency demodulate, the datademodulator 12 is arranged to DPSK demodulate.

A monitor 13 is arranged to permit observation of a reproduced videosignal. A printer 13' is connected to the apparatus for the purpose ofprinting the video signal. The printer 13' is arranged to begin tooperate when the level of a signal coming to a start signal inputterminal becomes high and to make the level of a busy signal outputterminal low while it is in operation. A modulator 14 is arranged,contrary to the data demodulator 12, to DPSK modulate data produced fromthe CPU 40 and to supply a recording amplifier 16 with data which ismodulated at timing according to the synchronizing signals Hsync andVsync separated by a synchronizing signal separation circuit 17 from thevideo signal coming to a video signal input terminal 18.

A recording signal processing circuit 15 is arranged to performfrequency modulation and other processes necessary for recording on thevideo signal coming via the input terminal 18 and to supply its outputto the recording amplifier 16. A reference signal generator 19 isarranged to generate accurate reference pulses (60 Hz) required forrotating the magnetic sheet 1. A magnetized piece 20 is provided on themagnetic sheet 1. As will be further described later, the magnetizedpiece 20 produces a signal which is used in performing rotation controlover a DC motor 2 in synchronism with the reference signal produced fromthe reference signal generator 19. A PG coil 21 is arranged fordetecting the signal from the magnetized piece 20 when the magneticsheet 1 is rotated by the DC motor 2.

A wave form shaping circuit 22 is arranged to shape the wave form of asignal produced from the PG coil 21. The output of the wave form shapingcircuit 22 is supplied to the CPU 40 and a motor control circuit 23.

The motor control circuit 23 is arranged to control the rotation of theDC motor 2. The rotation of the DC motor 2 is controlled in such amanner that the synchronizing signal Vsync from the synchronizing signalseparation circuit 17 or the signal produced from the reference signalgenerator 19 and the signal produced from the magnetized piece providedon the magnetic sheet 1 are always in a predetermined phasic relation toeach other. For example, the rotation of the motor is controlled to keepthe phases of the two deviating by 7 H from each other. When themagnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2 are performing a recording action, a switchSW1 is shifted beforehand to its connecting position on the side of thesynchronizing signal separation circuit 17. Then, the rotation of the DCmotor 2 is controlled on the basis of the signal coming from themagnetized piece 20 provided on the magnetic sheet 1. In case ofreproduction by the magnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2, the connecting positionof the switch SW1 is shifted beforehand for the reference signalgenerator 19. In this instance, the rotation of the DC motor 2 iscontrolled on the basis of the reference signal from the generator 19and the signal produced from the magnetized piece 20 and coming via thewave form shaping circuit 22.

A driver 23' is arranged to drive a stepping motor 24 according to asignal produced from the CPU 40 for the purpose of controlling theposition of the heads 3-1 and 3-2. The stepping motor 24 is thusarranged to shift the position of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 via theabove-stated head shifting device 4. A display circuit 25 is arranged tobe driven by a signal from the CPU 40. The display circuit is composedof display elements including, as shown in FIG. 3, seven-segment displayelements which are arranged to display a number assigned to the track towhich the head 3-1 has access in a two-place number and a speed at whichthe head is being shifted; a PB (play back) LED arranged to display areproduction mode; and a REC (recording) LED arranged to display arecording mode. A ROM 26 stores the program of the CPU 40. A RAM 27 isarranged to temporarily store the data of the CPU 40. A timer 28 isarranged to be driven by the CPU 40. A crystal oscillator 29 is arrangedto generate reference clock pulses for the CPU 40. A detecting circuit80 is connected to photo-couplers 81 and 82 which form a detectionswitch for detecting whether the magnetic sheet 1 is inserted in theapparatus. A switch SW1 is arranged to have its connecting positionshifted by a signal from a control circuit 30 which is driven by asignal from the CPU 40. The switch SW1 connects the synchronizing signalseparation circuit 17 to the motor control circuit 23 when a recordingmode indicating signal is received from the CPU 40 while thesynchronizing signal Hsync is produced from the synchronizing signalseparation circuit 17. The switch SW1 connects the reference signalgenerator 19 to the motor control circuit 23 when a reproducing modeindicating signal is received from the CPU 40 while the signal Hsync isnot produced from the synchronizing signal separation circuit 17. Aswitch SW2 shifts its connecting position on the basis of a signal fromthe CPU 40. The switch SW2 has a position in which the head 3-1 isconnected to the recording amplifier 16; a position connecting the head3-1 to the reproduction amplifier 6; and an intermediate positionconnecting the head neither to the recording amplifier 16 nor to thereproduction amplifier 6. A switch SW3 operates on the basis of a signalfrom the CPU 40 to shift its position among a position connecting thehead 3-2 to the recording amplifier 16, another position connecting thesame head to the reproduction amplifier 6 and an intermediate positionconnecting the same head neither to the recording amplifier 16 nor tothe reproduction amplifier 6. A switch SW4 is also operated by the CPU40 to shift its position as follows: In reproducing a frame video signalfrom the magnetic sheet 1 using both the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the positionof the switch is shifted upward as viewed on FIG. 1 thus connecting themto the demodulation circuit 9. In reproducing a field video signal usingonly the head 3-1, the switch SW4 shifts between the upward shiftedposition and a downward shifted position. In other words, in thatinstance, the switch connects the head alternately to the demodulationcircuit 9 and the 1/2 H delay circuit 10 for every field. A switch SW5is driven by the CPU 40 to connect the monitor 13 to the video signalinput terminal 18 for recording and to the switch SW4 for reproduction.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the video signal recorded or reproducedon and from the magnetic sheet 1 is sometimes a field video signalconsisting of only one field or sometimes a frame video signalconsisting of a pair of fields. The change-over of the connectingpositions of the switches SW2, SW3, SW4 and SW5 for the field videosignal and the frame video signal is as described below with referenceto FIG. 2, which shows in combination the change-over states of theswitches SW2, SW3, SW4 and SW5:

In the field reproduction, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1 to thereproduction amplifier 6. The switch SW3 is in the intermediate positionthus connecting the head 3-2 neither to the reproduction amplifier 6 norto the recording amplifier 16. The switch SW4 allows a signal suppliedfrom the demodulation circuit 9 to be supplied directly to the monitor13 in the case of an odd number field and to be supplied via the 1/2 Hdelay circuit 10 to the monitor 13 if the field is an even number field.The position of the switch SW4 thus changes from one position over tothe other every time the field changes. This prevents occurrence of askew distortion.

In frame reproduction, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1 to thereproduction amplifier 6 for an odd number field and shifts to theintermediate position thereof for an even number field. The switch SW3is in the intermediate position thereof for an odd number field andconnects the head 3-2 to the reproduction amplifier 6 for an even numberfield. Therefore, in the case of frame reproduction, the signal ofeither the head 3-1 or the head 3-2 is alternately supplied to thereproduction amplifier 6 for every field. In this instance, the positionof the switch SW4 is shifted upward to allow the signal of thedemodulation circuit 9 to be supplied directly to the monitor 13.

In either case of field reproduction or frame reproduction, the switchSW5 is driven to connect the monitor 13 to the switch SW4.

In field recording, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1 to therecording amplifier 16 and the switch SW3 shifts to its intermediateposition. Therefore, recording is performed by the head 3-1 in thatinstance.

Further, in frame recording, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1 to therecording amplifier 16 for an odd number field and takes itsintermediate position for an even number field. The switch SW3 takes itsintermediate position for an odd number field and connects the head 3-2to the recording amplifier for an even number field. The combination ofthe positions of these switches for the heads 3-1 and 3-2 may bereversed for frame recording.

In either case of field or frame recording, the switch SW5 shifts itsposition to connect the monitor 13 to the video signal input terminal 18to enable the operator to observe the video signal to be recorded.Meanwhile, in any of these cases, the switch SW4 can be in any positionthereof.

Next, the switches 51 to 63 and 72 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged asdescribed in the following with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 which areshowing the appearance of this embodiment: FIG. 3 is a front view of theapparatus and FIG. 4 a front view of a remote control device. Theswitches 51 to 63 and 72 shown in FIG. 1 are divided into groupsincluding a group of switches shown in FIG. 3, a group provided on theremote control device of FIG. 4 and a group disposed in both theapparatus of FIG. 3 and the remote control device of FIG. 4. In FIGS. 1to 4, the switches performing the same functions are indicated by thesame reference numerals. Among the switches shown in FIG. 3, thosedisposed only on the remote control device of FIG. 4 are shown in thecircuit arrangement of FIG. 1 as connected through lines to the CPU 40for the sake of illustration. In actuality, however, each of signalsgenerated by operating the switches disposed on the remote controldevice is converted into infrared rays by the remote control device andis supplied to the CPU 40 via a remote control light receiving part 45which is provided on the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.

The switches 51 to 63 and 72 may be arranged in various manner and theirarrangement is not limited to the arrangement of this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, these illustrations include a power supplyswitch 41; a slot 42 for inserting the magnetic sheet; an ejectionbutton 43 which is arranged to automatically eject the magnetic sheet 1when it is turned on with the magnetic sheet in the inserted state; theabove stated PB LED and REC LED 44A and 44B; the remote control lightreceiving part 45 which is arranged to receive the signal of the remotecontrol device shown in FIG. 4; an interval mode display LED 46 whichlights up when an interval reproduction mode is selected; a display LED48 which is arranged to show selection of field reproduction orrecording or selection of frame reproduction or recording; the abovestated two-place seven-segment LED 25; and LEDs 50A, 50B and 50Carranged to display the operated states of a programed reproductionsetting switch 58, an interval time setting switch 57 and a programedtrack setting switch 62 respectively.

A REC mode setting switch 51 is arranged to set a recording mode and todetermine whether the head is having access to a recorded track ornon-recorded track. With this switch 51 turned on, when a track to whichthe head gained has access has some existing record, the REC LED makes aflickering display to show an unrecordable state of the track. The headmentioned here is the head 3-1 in the case of field recording and is atleast one of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 in the case of frame recording. Ifthe track has no existing record, the REC LED lights up to show therecordable state of the track in question.

A REC switch 52 is arranged to determine timing for recording operation.With a recording mode selected by means of the REC mode setting switch51, the recording operation is performed on the magnetic sheet 1 whenthis switch 52 is turned on. In case that a continuous recording modehas been selected by means of a track feed speed setting switch 56, acontinuous recording operation is performed with the use of the heads3-1 and 3-2 being automatically changed from one head over to the otheras long as this switch 52 remains in an ON state. A PB (play back) modesetting switch 53 is arranged to set the apparatus in a reproductionmode. When the switch 53 turns on, the PB LED lights up to show theselection of the reproduction mode. A track UP switch 54 is arranged tocause the driver 23' to rotate the stepping motor 24 when the switch 54is operated. Then, the rotation of the stepping motor 24 causes the headshifting device 4 to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 from one track toanother track located on the inner side of the magnetic sheet. Further,in case that frame recording has been selected by means of a field/framesetting switch 59, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted to an extentcorresponding to two tracks respectively every time the track UP switch54 is turned on. In that event, the seven-segment LED 25 displays atwo-track shifted track number instead of a one-track shifted tracknumber. In the event of selection of field recording or fieldreproduction, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to an extentcorresponding to one track when the track UP switch 54 is turned on.Then, the seven-segment LED 25 displays a one-track shifted tracknumber. Further, when the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted by the operationof the track UP switch 54 after selection of the recording mode, if thetrack to which the head 3-1 or 3-2 has access has existing recordstherein, the REC LED 44B makes a flickering display. A track DOWN switch55 is arranged to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 in the direction of theouter circumference of the magnetic sheet (outward) instead of its innercircumference (inward).

The switch 55 is arranged in a manner similar to the track UP switch 54.When the switch 55 is operated with frame recording or framereproduction selected, the seven-segment LED 25 displays atwo-track-shifted track number instead of a one-track-shifted tracknumber. In case that the switch 55 is operated with field recording orfield reproduction selected, the heads are shifted by one track at atime and a one-track-shifted track number is displayed. Further, in thesame manner as in the case of the track UP switch 54, when the heads 3-1and 3-2 are shifted by the operation of the track DOWN switch 55 in therecording mode, the REC LED 44B makes a flickering display as necessaryshowing that the tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 gained accesshave existing records therein.

A track feed speed setting switch 56 is arranged to make a selectionbetween a recording or reproducing operation to be performed with thepositions of the heads automatically and continuously shifted and arecording or reproducing operation to be performed with the head shiftedin a noncontinuous manner and is also arranged to set a track feedingspeed to determine how often recording or reproduction is to beperformed per second in the event of the continuous operation.

When the switch 56 is turned on from an OFF state by pushing it once,the seven-segment LED 25 comes to display a track feeding speed insteadof a track number. If, under this condition, the track feed speedsetting switch 56 is again turned on within a predetermined period oftime counted by the timer 28, the seven-segment LED 25 cyclically makesdisplays every time the switch 56 is turned on including, for example, adisplay of "2" indicating continuous recording or reproduction of twopicture planes per second; a display of "5" indicating continuousrecording or reproduction of five picture planes per second; and adisplay of "10" indicating continuous recording or reproduction of 10picture planes per second or makes a display of "1" indicating recordingor reproduction of a single picture plane. Further, with the switch 56turned on after it has been turned off to cause the seven-segment LED 25to display a track feeding speed in place of a track number, if afterthat the switch 56 is not turned on again before expiration of thepredetermined time counted by the timer 28, the display by the LED 25comes back from the display of the track feeding speed to the normaltrack number display.

In case that the track feeding speed is changed by the switch 56 whilethe frame image recording mode has been already selected by thefield/frame setting switch 59 and the REC mode setting switch 51,selection of continuous recording of ten picture planes per secondbecomes impossible.

An interval time setting switch 57 is provided for setting a relativelylong interval time in a continuous reproducing operation and also forsetting a track feeding interval time in the event of a programedreproduction mode set by means of a programed track setting switch 58which will be described later. The interval time is set by means of theswitches 63 to 72 of the ten-key switch arrangement before the lapse of10 sec after the switch 57 is turned on. In the event that a switchother than the ten key switches 63 to 72 is turned on after the intervaltime setting switch 57 is turned on the interval time setting isautomatically cancelled. A programed reproduction setting switch 58 isprovided for setting the programed reproduction mode. This mode is setby programing beforehand a sequence in which tracks are to be reproducedand is continuously performed at intervals of a length of time set bymeans of the interval time setting switch 57.

In designating the sequence of reproducing tracks, the programedreproduction mode is first set by turning the switch 58 on. Next, thetrack UP and track DOWN switches 54 and 55 are operated to shift thetrack access positions of them and to have the video signal of a desiredtrack reproduced on the monitor 13 for confirmation. While performingthis confirmation process, a programed track setting switch 62 is turnedon to store the track number of each track confirmed by the monitor 13.The field/frame setting switch 59 is arranged such that change-overtakes place from the field-recording or -reproduction mode to theframe-recording or -reproduction mode and vice versa every time thisswitch 59 turns on.

In the event that the continuous recording mode has been set for 10picture planes per second by means of the REC mode setting switch 51 andthe track feed speed setting switch 56, the track feeding speed isautomatically changed to a continuous recording mode for five pictureplanes per second when frame recording is selected by the field/framesetting switch 59, because:

In the case of frame recording, unlike field recording, the heads 31 and3-2 must be shifted to an extent corresponding to two tracks at a time.In the event of recording 10 picture planes per second, therefore, theheads must be shifted to a total extent corresponding to 20 tracks persecond. However, it is difficult to carry out such a high speed headshift. In this particular embodiment of this invention, therefore,continuous frame recording for 10 picture planes per second isinhibited.

A start switch 60 is provided for continuous reproduction with intervalsor programed reproduction. When the start switch 60 is turned on in theprogramed reproduction mode, reproduction is performed on the tracks oneafter another beginning with the first track at intervals set by theinterval time setting switch 57 and the ten key switches 63 to 72 andprogramed reproduction begins with programed reproduction selected. Astop switch 61 is arranged to bring to a stop the reproducing operationinitiated by the start switch 60. A reference numeral 62 denotes theabove stated programed track setting switch.

The embodiment of this invention operates as described below withreference to flow charts shown in FIGS. 5 to 18:

When the power supply switch 41 shown in FIG. 3 is pushed in, the powersupply to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 turns on. Electric energy beginsto be supplied to each of applicable circuit parts.

Step #1: With the power supply thus switched on, registers I and S, etc.which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 are reset to"0". A PB (play-back) mode flag is set. Then, the track feeding speed isinitially set for two picture planes per second and the interval time atthree secondonds. In other words, the continuous reproduction mode isautomatically set when the power supply is switched on. Step #2: A checkis made to see if a jacket having the magnetic sheet 1 is inserted. Ifso, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #3. If not, it comes to astep #4 skipping the step #3. Step #3: With the jacket having themagnetic sheet 1 found to be inserted at the step #2, the DC motor 3 isdriven. Step #4: A check is made to see if the head 3-1 has gainedaccess to the 50th track by detecting whether the switch 5 shown in FIG.1 is in an ON state. If the heads are found to have gained access to the50th track, the flow of operation comes to a step #6. If not, the flowbranches out to a step #5 to drive the stepping motor 24 shown in FIG. 1to bring the head 3-1 to the 50th track by repeating the loop of steps#4 and #5. Step #6: With the head 3-1 having gained access to the 50thtrack, the flow of operation comes to this step to set a register N at avalue of 50 for having access to a memory (RAM 27). Step #7: A check ismade for the driving operation of the DC motor 2. With the above statedjacket inserted, the DC motor 2 has been caused to drive the magneticsheet 1 by the step #3. In this event, the flow of operation proceeds toa step #8 to set a field flag.

If the jacket is not inserted, the DC motor 2 has not been operated asthe step #3 has been skipped. In that event, therefore, the flow ofoperation comes back to the step #2 to see whether the jacket isinserted or not.

Step #8: The field flag is set if the DC motor 4 is found to beperforming a driving operation at the step #7. Accordingly, the fieldmode indicating LED 44A which is shown in FIG. 3 lights up to show thefield mode. In other words, In the case of this embodiment, the fieldmode is automatically selected with the power supply switched on and thejacket inserted. Step #9: The output of the level detector 7 shown inFIG. 1 is detected to find whether the track accessed by the head 3-1 isrecorded or nonrecorded. The output level of the level detector 7becomes high if the accessed track has already been recorded. In thatevent, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #10. If the output levelof the level detector 7 is low, the flow of operation comes to a step#16. Let us here first described the step #16. Step #16: Data "0000" isset at an address N of the memory. The data "0000" indicates that thetrack corresponding to this particular address is nonrecorded (has noprevious or exsisting record).

The flow of operation at a step #10 and subsequent steps is as follows:

Step #10: With the output of the level detector (or detecting circuit) 7having been found to be at a high level at the step #9, a signalrecorded in the track is reproduced. Then, an ID (identification) signalis taken in from the data demodulator 12. Step #11: The content of theID signal is detected to discriminate the video signal recorded in thetrack between a field video signal and a frame video signal. If it is afield video signal, the flow of operation shifts to a step #15. If it isa frame video signal, the flow proceeds to a step #12. Step #12: Thevideo signal recorded in the track accessed by the head 3-1 is checkedto find whether the signal is recorded in the inner side track of theframe video signal or in the outer side track thereof. The flow ofoperation comes to a step #14 if the track is located on the inner sideor proceeds to a step #13 if it is located on the outer side. Step #13:With the video signal of the track accessed by the head 3-1 found to bein the outer track of the frame video signal, the address N of thememory is set at "0011." In case that the flow of operation comes fromthe step #1 to this step for the first time, the address N has been set50 at the step #6. Step #14: In the event of the inner track of theframe video signal, the address N of the memory is set at "0010." Step#17: The head 3-1 is shifted to a first track. Then, if a state of N=1is detected, the flow of operation comes to a step #20. If not, the flowof operation proceeds to a step #18. With the state of N=1 not detectedat the step #17, the head 3-1 is shifted outward to an extentcorresponding to one track pitch. Step #19: With the head 3-1 shiftedoutward at the step #18, 1 is subtracted from the value N to renew it.Step #20: With the state of N=1 detected at the step #17 indicating thatthe head 3-1 has gained access to the first track which is locatedoutermost on the magnetic sheet, when information on the presence orabsence of any record there is set at the memory, the data of theaddress N, i.e. the first address, of the memory is read out. If thedata is "0011" thus indicating that the first track is the outer sidetrack of two tracks forming a frame video signal, the flow of operationproceeds to a step #21. If not, the flow of operation comes to a step#23. Step #21: With the first track having been found at the step #20 tobe the outer track of the two tracks forming a frame video signal, thedata of an address N+1, i.e. a secondond address of the memory is readout. If the data is "0010" thus indicating that a secondond track is theinner track of the two tracks forming the frame video signal, the flowof operation proceeds to a step #22. Step #22: With the frame videosignal having been found to be recorded in the first and secondondtracks, the field flag which is set at the step #8 is cleared to changethe field mode over to a frame mode. The field/frame display LED 48which is shown in FIG. 3 lights up to show the frame mode. Steps #23 and#24: The register N showing the above stated memory address is displayedby the two-place seven segment LED 25 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Thisdisplay enables the operator to know the track number to which the head3-1 has gained access. Upon completion of this step, the flow ofoperation jumps to another flow (A), which is as shown in FIG. 6.Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 6:

Step #A-1: A check is made to see if the REC mode setting switch 51 isin an ON state. If so, the flow of operation calls a subroutine (B) toset the recording mode. If not, the flow proceeds to a step #A-2. Step#A-2: A check is made to see if the REC switch 52 has been turned on. Ifso, a subroutine (N) is called. If not, the flow proceeds to a step#A-3. Step #A-3: A check is made to find if the PB mode setting switch53 has been turned on. If so, a subroutine (C) is called. If not, theflow proceeds to a step #A-4. Step #A-4: If the track UP switch 54 isturned on, the flow of operation calls a subroutine (D). if the switch54 is not turned on, the flow proceeds to a step #A-5. Step #A-5: If thetrack DOWN switch 55 is turned on, the flow of operation calls asubroutine (E). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-6. Step #A-6: If thetrack feed speed setting switch 56 is turned on, the flow of operationcalls a subroutine (F). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-7. Step #A-7:If the interval time setting switch 57 has been turned on, the flow ofoperation calls a subroutine (G). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-8.Step #A-8: If the program setting switch 58 has been turned on, the flowof operation calls a subroutine (H). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-9.Step #A-9: If the program track setting switch 62 has been turned on,the flow of operation calls a subroutine (I). If not, it proceeds to astep #A-10. Step #A-10: If the field/frame setting switch 59 has beenturned on, the flow of operation calls a subroutine (J). If not, itproceeds to a step #A-11. Step #A-11: If the start switch 60 has beenturned on, the flow of operation calls a subroutine (K). If not itproceeds to a step #A-12. Step #A-12: If the stop switch 61 has beenturned on, a subroutine (M) is called. If not, the flow of operationproceeds to a step #A-13. Step #A-13: If a jacket detection switch(corresponding to the detection circuit 80 of FIG. 1) has been turnedon, the flow of operation jumps to a subroutine (L). If not, it proceedsto a step #A-14.

Step #A-14: A programed reproduction mode flag and a programedreproduction in-process flag are cleared.

After the head 3-1 is allowed to gain access to the first track on themagnetic sheet with the flow of operation carried out as shown in FIG.5, the operation jumps to the flow (A) shown in FIG. 6. The flow (A) ofoperation is repeatedly performed while checking the switches shown inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4 for their states until the state of each of theseswitches comes to change over to the other state. A subroutinecorresponding to each of these operated switches is called. Thesubroutine (F) which is called when the track feed speed setting switch56 is turned on is as described below with reference to FIG. 7:

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the subroutine (F) to be carried out whenthe switch 56 which is provided for changing a track feeding speed.Steps #F-1 and #F-2: A setting value of track feeding speed is read outfrom the memory. The setting value thus read out is set at a tracknumber displaying buffer which is not shown. Therefore, a track feedingspeed is displayed at the two-place, seven-segment. LED 25 shown in FIG.3. When the flow of operation comes to the step #F-1, a track feedingspeed has been set at a value for two picture planes per second and theLED 25 displays "2" accordingly. Step #F-3: If the track feeding speedsetting switch 56 is in an ON state, the flow of operation respectivelyperforms the step #F-3. If not, the flow of operation comes to a step#F-4.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the two-place, seven-segment LED 25 isarranged to change its track number display over to a track feedingspeed display when the track feed speed setting switch 56 turns on foronce. After that, when the switch 56 again turns on, the track feedingspeed is changed over to another value. The step #F-3 is arranged tohave the track feeding speed changed when the switch 56 comes again toturn on after it is turned off from the initial turned-on state asmentioned above.

Steps #F-4 to #F-7: With the display by the two-place, seven-segment LED25 of FIG. 3 changed from the track number display over to the trackfeed speed display by turning on the track feed speed setting switch 56,if the switch 56 or any other switch is not turned on before the lapseof a predetermined period of time (two secondonds) after thechange-over, the track feeding speed setting action is cancelled throughthese steps #F-4 to #F-7. When the track feed speed setting switch 56 isturned on before the lapse of the predetermined period of time (twosecondonds) after the start of time count by the timer 1, the flow ofoperation comes from the step #F-7 to a step #F-10. If the switch isturned on after completion of the time count by the timer 1 or whenanother switch is turned on, the flow of operation proceeds from thestep #F-6 to a step #F-8. Step #F-8: The count value of the timer 1 iscleared. Step #F-9: Contrary to the step #F-1, the display by thetwo-place, seven-segment LED 25 is brought back to the track numberdisplay. Step #F-10: The count value of the timer 1 is cleared. Step#F-11: A check is made to find if the set value of the track feedingspeed is for a single performance, which means that the head is shiftedafter one performance of recording or reproduction to an extentcorresponding to one track in the field mode or to an extentcorresponding to two tracks and then the recording or reproduction comesto a stop in the frame mode. The flow of operation proceeds to a step#F-12 in the case of a single performance or comes to a step #F-13 ifthe set value is not for a single performance. Further, after the powersupply switch 41 is turned on, the track feeding speed has been set fortwo picture planes per second at the step #1 before the flow ofoperation comes to this step. Step #F-12: In the event of the track feedspeed setting value for a single performance, the set value is changedto a value for two picture planes per second and then the flow ofoperation comes back to the step #F-1. Then, the renewed track feedspeed is displayed and the above stated steps #F-3 to #F-7 areperformed. Step #F-13: A check is made to find if the track feed speedsetting value is for two picture planes per second. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #F-14. If not, the flow comes to a step#F-15. Step #F-14: The track feed speed setting value is changed to avalue for five picture planes per second. The flow of operation thencomes back to the step #F-1. The renewed track feed speed value isdisplayed and the steps #F-3 to #F-7 are carried out.

Step #F-15: A check is made to find if the track feed speed settingvalue is for five picture planes per second. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #F-16. If the set value is found not forfive picture planes per second but for ten picture planes per second,the flow of operation comes to a step #F-17. Step #F-16: A check is madeto find if the PB mode flag is set indicating that the reproduction modehas already been set. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step#F-18. If not, if comes to a step #F-19. Step #F-17: The track feedspeed setting value is changed to a value for a single performance andthe flow of operation comes back to the step #F-1. A new track feedspeed value thus set is displayed and the steps #F-3 to #F-7 are carriedout. Step #F-18: In a continuous reproduction mode, field reproductionis performed irrespective as to whether the video signal recorded in thetracks of the magnetic sheet 1 is a field video signal or a frame videosignal. In this instance, the track feed speed setting value is changedto a value for ten picture planes per second and then the flow ofoperation comes back to the step #F-1. Step #F-19: A check is made tosee if the field flag is set thus indicating the field recording modewith the track feed speed set for ten picture planes per second. If so,the flow of operation branches out to a step #F-18. If not, the flowcomes to the step #F-17 to change the track feed speed setting value toa value for a single performance.

In the subroutine (F) described above, the two-place, seven-segment LED25 displays the track feed speed when the track feed speed settingswitch 56 is turned on. Then, after that, the track feeding speed can bechanged by again turning the switch 56 on within a predetermined periodof time (two secondonds). The range of selectable track feeding speedsincludes the following three speeds in the frame recording mode: A speedfor a single performance, a speed for two picture plane per second and aspeed for five picture plane per second. In a mode other than the framerecording mode, the selectable track feeding speed range includes thefollowing four speeds: A speed for a single performance, a speed for twopicture planes per second, a speed for five picture planes per secondand a speed for ten picture planes per second. The selectable speedrange depends on the track shifting capability of the arrangementincluding the device for shifting the heads 3-1 and 3-2, etc. shown inFIG. 1. Therefore, the range of selectable track feeding speed is set ata suitable range according to the track shifting capability.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the subroutines (D) and (E) which areto be called out when the track UP switch 54 or the track DOWN switch 55is turned on during the process of the subroutine (A) shown in FIG. 6are as follows:

The flow of operation to be performed when the track UP switch 54 isturned on is first described. Step #D-1: When the flow of operationcomes to this step, the register N is checked to see if it is at a value50 for the purpose of finding whether the track to which the head 3-1has gained access is the innermost track of the magnetic sheet. If theregister N is found not at 50, the flow of operation proceeds to a step#D-2. If it is found to be at 50, the flow comes to a step #D-34. Step#D-2: A check is made to find if the PB mode flag has been set thusindicating the reproduction mode. If so, the flow of operation comes toa step #D-8. If not, the flow proceeds to a step #D-3. Step #D-3: Acheck is made to see if the address N+1 of the memory is at "0000" thusindicating that a No. N+1 track contains no record. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #D-4. If not, the flow branches out to astep #D-7. Step #D-4: With the No. N+1 track having been found to be notrecorded at the step #D-3, a check is made to see if the field flag isset. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #D-6. If not, the flowproceeds to a step #D-5. Step #D-5: With the field flag found not set atthe step #D-4 thus indicating the frame mode, a check is made to see ifthe content of the memory at an address N+2 is at "0000" thus indicatingthat the No. N+2 track of the magnetic sheet has no existing record(unrecorded). If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D6. Ifnot, it comes to a step #D-7.

With the steps #D-3 to #D-5 carried out, the flow of operation comes tothe step #D-6 if two consecutive tracks are both unrecorded in the caseof the frame mode. If one of the two tracks is recorded, the flow ofoperation comes to the step #D-7.

Step #D-6: The flow of operation comes to this step when a trackaccessed by the head 3-1 in the field mode or a track accessed by thehead 3-1 and a track which is accessed by the head 3-2 and is located onthe inner side of the former in the case of the frame mode areunrecorded and are recordable. In this case, the REC LED 44B shown inFIG. 3 lights up. Step #D-7: Contrarily to the step #D-6, if the tracksaccessed by the heads 31 and 3-2 are recorded and unrecordable, the RECLED 44B shown in FIG. 3 is caused to blink (flicker) to inform theoperator of the unrecordable state of the track. Step #D-8: With the PBmode flag found to have been set at the step #D-2, the field flag isset. This step #D-8 will be further described later along with furthersteps #D-9, #D-10 and #D-13. Step #D-9: A check is made to see if theaddress N of the memory is at "0011"0 indicating that a track beingaccessed by the head 3-1 is one of two tracks located on the outer sideas mentioned in the description of the step #13. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to the step #D-10. If not, it comes to the step#D-13. Step #D10: A check is made to see if the address N+i of thememory is at "0010" thus indicating that a track being accessed by thehead 3-2 is one of two tracks located on the inner side. If so, the flowof operation proceeds to a step #D-11. If not, it comes to the step#D-13.

In case that one of two frame video signal forming tracks which islocated on the inner side is either erased or has a video signal newlyrecorded after erasing, even if a track accessed by the head 3-1 islocated on the outer side of the two tracks forming the frame videosignal, another track accessed by the other head 302 might not be one ofthe two tracks which is located on the inner side. In that eventtherefore, in shifting the heads 3-1 and 3-2 inward, these heads must beshifted only to an extent of one track instead of two for erasing or forreproducing the video signal newly recorded after erasing. However,under the condition of having the heads 3-1 and 3-2 shifted inward tothe extent of only one track, the tracks being accessed by these headsdo not always have a frame video signal recorded therein. These tracksmight have different field video signals recorded therein. In the lattercase, if the field flag is in a reset state, the two different fieldvideo signals would be reproduced as a frame video signal. Thisembodiment solves that problem by the provision of the step #D-8mentioned in the foregoing. In other words, the field flag is set toobtain the field mode before these heads are shifted inward as mentionedabove. Therefore, the possibility of having completely different fieldvideo signals reproduced as a frame video signal can be eliminated.

Step #D-11: A check is made to see if the register N is at 49. If so,the flow of operation comes to a step #D-13. If not, it comes to a step#D-12. Step #D-12: With a frame video signal recorded in two adjacenttracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the flow of operation comes tothis step. Under this condition, if the track UP switch is turned on,the driver 23 is operated to have the heads 3-1 and 3-2 shifted to theextent of just one track at this step. Following that, at the step#D-13, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are further shifted to the extent of onetrack. Meanwhile the content of the register N is renewed and changed byone every time the heads are thus shifted. Step #D-13: The heads 3-1 and3-2 are shifted to the extent of one track in the same manner as in thepreceding step #D-12. Step #D-14: The two place, seven-segment LED 25shown in FIG. 3 is caused to display the content of the register N inthe same manner as in the step #23.

Since the step #D-14 is subsequent to the steps #D-12 and #D13 in thisembodiment, the track number displayed by the LED is changed by two at atime when a frame video signal is recorded in the tracks to which theheads 3-1 and 3-2 gain access. In case that a field video signal isrecorded, the track number display of the LED 25 is changed by one at atime. Therefore, the display shows which of the field and frame videosignals is recorded on the magnetic sheet 1.

Further, if this step is provided also in between the steps #D-12 and#D-13, the track number display of the LED 25 is renewed and changed byone at a time even in cases where a frame video signal is recorded intwo adjacent tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2.

Step #D-15: A check is made to see if the PB mode flag is set. If so,the flow of operation comes to a step #D-16. If not, it comes to a step#D-19. Step #D-16: A check is made to see if the address N of the memoryis at "0011" thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 isthe outer side track of two tracks having a frame video signal recorded.The content of the address N corresponds to the number assigned to thetrack to which the head 3-1 has gained access as repeatedly mentioned inthe foregoing. If the content of the address N is found to be "0011",the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-17. If not, the flowbranches out to a step #D-19. Step #D-17: A check is made to find if thecontent of the address N+i of the memory is "0010" thus indicating thatthe head 3-1 has gained access to the inner side track of two adjacenttracks in which a frame video signal is recorded. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #D-18. If not, it branches out to the step#D-19.

Step #D-18: When the flow of operation comes to this step through thesteps #D-16 and #D-17, a frame video signal is recorded in two adjacenttracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 has gained access after a shift oftheir positions. Therefore, the field flag which has been set at thestep #D-8 is cleared to obtain a frame reproducing mode. Step #D-19: Acheck is made to see if an automatic track feed flag is set. If so, theflow of operation proceeds to a step #D-20. If not, the flow comes backfrom this subroutine (RTS). The automatic track feed flag is arranged tobe set in another subroutine (K). This flag is arranged to enable theflow of operation to pull out from the subroutine (D) or from anothersubroutine (E) when the subroutine (D) or (K) is called during executionof a program for repeating a reproducing action while automaticallyfeeding the tracks.

Step #D-20: A track feed speed setting value is taken in from thememory. Step #D-21: A check is made to see if the track feed speedsetting value is for a single performance. If so, the flow of operationcomes to a step #D-34. If not, it proceeds to a step #D-22. Step #D-22:A check is made to see if the track feed speed setting value is for twopicture planes per second. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to astep #D-23. If not, it comes to a step #D-24. Step #D-23: A wait timerregister which is disposed within the CPU 40 is set at 28. Step #D-24: Acheck is made to see if the track feed speed setting value is for fivepicture planes per second. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to astep #D-25. If not, it comes to a step #D-26. Step #D-25: The wait timerregister is set at 10. Step #D-26: In case that the track feed speedsetting value is for ten picture planes per second, the flow ofoperation comes to this step. The wait timer register is set at 4.Further, the wait timer register the value of which is set at the abovestated steps #D-23, #D-25 and #D-26 is arranged to control the trackfeeding speed. The content of the timer register is arranged to bedecreased every time the magnetic sheet 1 is caused to make one turn bythe DC motor 2 at steps #D-31 and #D-32 which will be described later.Step #D-27: A check is made to see if the REC-in-process flag is set. Ifso, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-28. If not, it branchesout to a step #D-31. The REC-in-process flag (or REC flag) is arrangedto be set in a subroutine (N). When the subroutine (D) is called outwhile a program of repetitively performing a recording action byautomatically feeding tracks is in process, this flag gives a period oftime necessary for recording by setting a length of time at the waittimer register when the subroutine (D) is called and by subtracting 2 or5 from the content of the register at a step #D-29 or #D-30. In otherwords, the REC flag is provided for the purpose of determining a timingfor recording in a predetermined position on the magnetic sheet a signalwhich is obtained by detecting the rotating state of the magnetic sheet1 from the PG coil 21 and also for recording the signal on the magneticsheet 1.

Steps #D-28, #D-29 and #D-30: The field flag is checked to find if ithas been set. If so, 2 is subtracted from the content of the wait timerregister. If not, 5 is subtracted from the content of the register. Inthis instance, the wait timer register is set at 4 if the track feedingspeed is set for ten picture planes per second. However, such setting ispossible only for the field mode. Therefore, in that event, the waittimer register never has 5 subtracted from its content.

Step #D-31: A check is made to see if pulses are produced from thereference signal generator 19 shown in FIG. 1. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #D-32. If not, it repeats the step #D-31.Step #D-32: One is subtracted from the content of the wait timerregister. Step #D-33: A check is made to see if the content of the waittimer register has become 0. If so, the flow of operation comes to astep #D-34. If not, it comes to the step #D-31.

At the steps #D-32 and #D-33, the wait timer register and the referencesignal generator 19 are used as a timer for controlling the trackfeeding speed. Compared with a method of forming a timer by performingsubtraction from the content of the wait timer register according to theoutput of the wave form shaping circuit 22 which is arranged to shapethe wave form of the output of the PG coil 21, the method of the steps#D-32 and #D-33 permits a more stable and accurate time counting action,because: While the output of the PG coil 21 is likely to include someerror resulting from unevenness of rotation of the magnetic sheet 1, theoutput of the reference signal generator 19 is substantially free fromsuch error. Further, in the event of reproduction or recording withintervals, the DC motor 2 is preferably stopped from rotating during theinterval time. In that event, the method of performing subtraction fromthe wait timer register according to the output of the wave form shapingcircuit 22 is incapable of including the interval time. Whereas, inaccordance with the method of this embodiment, the time counting actioncan be stably carried out even in that event.

Step #D-34: A check is made to see if the REC-in-process flag has beenset. If so, the flow of operation comes back to the program (RTS)carried on before calling the subroutine (D). If not, it comes to a step#D-35. Step #D-35: A check is made for the ON state of the track UPswitch 54. If the switch 54 is found to be on, the flow of operationcomes to the step #D-1 to have the track access position of the heads3-1 and 3-2 shifted inward. If not, the flow of operation comes to astep #D-36. Step #D-36: A check is made for the ON state of the trackDOWN switch 55. If the switch 55 is on, the flow of operation shifts toa step #E-1 of the subroutine (E) for shifting outward the track accessposition of the heads 3-1 and 3-2. If not, the flow comes back to theprogram pursued before calling the subroutine (D).

The subroutine (E) which is to be carried out when the track DOWN switch55 is turned on is as described in the following: In the subroutine (E),steps #E-1 to #E-13 are similar to the steps #D-1 to #D-13 and thereforethe details of these steps are omitted here. In the subroutine (E), whenthe track DOWN switch 55 is turned on, the register N is checked for astate of N=1 at the step #E-1, for example, for shifting outward thetrack access position of the heads 3-1 and 3-2. At the step #E-9, acheck is made to find if a memory address N-1 is at "0010" thusindicating the inner side track of two tracks forming a frame videosignal. At the step #E-10, a check is made to find if a memory addressN-2 is at "0011" indicating the outer side track of the two tracksforming the frame video signal. At the step #E-11, a check is made for astate of N=2. At the steps #E-12 and #E-13, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 areshifted outward to the extent of one track.

Referring to FIG. 9, the subroutines (J) and (B) which are to be calledwhen the field/frame selection switch 59 and the REC mode setting switch51 are turned on are as described below:

Step #J-1: When the field/frame selection switch 59 is found to beturned on at the step #A-10 shown in FIG. 6, the flow of operation comesto the step #J-1. At this step, if the field flag is set, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #J-2. If not, it branches out to a step#J4. Step #J-2: With the field flag found to be set at the step #J-1,the flag is cleared at the step #J-2. Step #J-3: A check is made to seeif the PB mode flag is set. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step#J8. If not, it branches out to a step #J-5.

Step #J-4: With the field flag found not set at the step #J-1, the fieldflag is set at the step #J-4.

When the field flag is cleared at the step #J-2 in the recording modewith the PB mode not selected, there obtains a frame recording mode.Then, as mentioned in the description of the subroutines (D) and (E),track feeding at a speed for ten picture planes per second isimpossible. Therefore, in the subroutine (J), if the track feed speedhas been set for ten picture planes per second at the time ofchange-over from the field mode to the frame mode, the change-over mustbe inhibited. In view of that, this embodiment is arranged to have thetrack feed speed setting value automatically changed at steps #J-6 and#J-7 to a speed for five picture planes per second if it has been set ata speed for ten picture planes per second.

Step #J-5: Data of a track feed speed setting value is taken into theCPU 40. Step #J-6: If the track feed speed setting value taken in at thestep #J-5 is for ten pictures per second, the flow of operation proceedsto a step #J-7. If not, it branches out to a step #J-8. Step #J-7: Thetrack feed speed setting value is changed to a value for five pictureplanes per second. Step #J-8: This step is repeated as long as thefield/frame selection switch 59 is kept in an ON state. When the switchturns off, the flow of operation comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6.

The subroutine (B) which is called when the REC mode setting switch 51is turned on is as described below:

Step #B-1: When the REC mode setting switch 51 is found to have turnedon at the step #A-1 of FIG. 6, the flow of operation comes to this step#B1. Then, the light of the PB LED 44A is put out and the PB mode flagis cleared. Steps #B-2, -3, -4, -5 and -6: These five steps are similarto the steps #D-3 to #D-7 respectively and, therefore, omitted fromdescription given here. Step #B-6': This step is repeated as long as theREC mode setting switch 51 is kept in an ON state. The flow of operationproceeds to a step #B-7 when the switch 51 is turned off. Step #B-7:With the REC mode setting switch 51 having been turned off, a check ismade to find if the field flag is set. If so, the flow of operationcomes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6. If not, it jumps to the step #J-5of the subroutine (J). Then, if the track feed speed setting value isfor ten picture planes per second, the set value is automaticallychanged to a speed for five picture planes per second by carrying outthe steps #J-6 to #J-8. Therefore, in the event of a frame mode with theREC mode set by the REC mode setting switch 51, the track feed speedsetting value is limited to a speed for five picture planes per second.

Referring to FIG. 10, the subroutine (C) which is to be called when thePB mode setting switch 53 is turned on is as described below:

Step #C-1: The flow of operation branches out to this step upondetection of that the PB mode setting switch 53 is turned on at the step#A-3 of FIG. 6. At the step #C-1, the field flag is temporarily set. Incase that the frame recording mode has been set by resetting the fieldflag with the PB mode flag cleared while different field video signalsare recorded in two tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, thedifferent field video signals would be reproduced in an interlaced stateif a reproducing action is immediately performed on the tracks accessedby the heads 3-1 and 3-2 when the PB mode setting switch 53 is found tohave turned on. The step #C-1 is provided for preventing thisinconvenience.

Step #C-2: A check is made to see if an applicable memory address is at"0011" thus indicating that the head 3-1 has gained access to a trackwhich is one of two tracks having a frame video signal recorded thereinand is located on the outer side of the other. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step #C-3. If not, it branches out to a step#C-5.

Step #C-3: A check is made to see if a memory address N+1 is at "0010"thus indicating that a track to which the head 3-2 has gained access isone of the two frame signal recorded tracks and is located on the innerside. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #C-4. If not, itbranches out to the step #C-5.

Step #C-4: The flow of operation comes to this step upon detection ofthat a frame video signal is recorded in two adjacent tracks to whichthe heads 3-1 and 3-2 have gained access. A field flag is cleared andthe frame mode is set.

Step #C-5: The PB LED 44A shown in FIG. 3 lights up. The PB mode flag isset. A reproducing action begins.

Step #C-6: In the event of a continuous 0N state of the PB mode settingswitch 53, this step is repeated. The flow of operation comes back tothe step #A-14 of FIG. 6 when the switch 53 is turned off.

The subroutine (G) which is to be called out when the interval timesetting switch 57 is turned on is as described below with reference toFIG. 11. the subroutine (G), the state of the timer T' is initializedand set at 0.

Step #G-1: The timer T' is initialized to zero with the interval timesetting switch 57 having been found to be turned on at the step #A-7 ofFIG. 6 before the flow of operation comes to this step #G-1. Then, ifthe ten key switch arrangement 63-72 is turned on, the flow proceeds toa step #G-2. If not, it branches out to a step #G-3.

Step #G-2: The interval time Ti is changed to another interval timevalue Ti set by the ten key switch arrangement 63-72.

Step #G-3: A check is made to find if any switch other than the ten keyswitch arrangement is turned on. If so, the flow of operation proceedsto a step #G-4. If not, it branches to a step #G-5.

Step #G-4: A check is made for the ON state of the interval time settingswitch 57. If the switch 57 is found on, the flow of operation comes tothe step #G-1. If not, it branches to the step #A-1 shown in FIG. 6.

Step #G-5: The value of the timer T' is increased by one and the flow ofoperation shifts to a step #G-6 after one second.

Step #G-6: The timer T' is checked to find if it is at a value 10. Ifso, the flow of operation comes to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6. If not, itcomes to the step #G-1 to repeat the loop of steps #G-1, -3, -5 and -6.When the value of the timer T' become flow comes back to the step #A-1.Therefore, in the subroutine (G), if no other switch turns on in tensecondonds after the interval time setting switch 57 is turned on, theflow of operation comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6 and the intervaltime setting is cancelled. Further, in the subroutine (G), the tracknumber display LED 25 may be arranged to display the interval time Ti.

Further, with the interval time Ti set at "0" in the subroutine (G),there obtains an external trigger mode in which, for example, theembodiment is connected to an external device such as a printer as willbe described later as a reproducing action in a subroutine (K).

Referring now to FIG. 12, a subroutine (N) which is called when the RECswitch is turned on is arranged as follows:

Step #N-1: The flow of operation comes to this step when the ON state ofthe REC switch 52 is detected at the step #A-2 of FIG. 6. A check ismade for the cleared state of the PB mode flag. If the flag is notcleared thus indicating the existence of the reproduction mode, the flowcomes back to the step #A-14 of FIG. 6 (RTS). If the flag is found tohave been cleared, it proceeds to a step #N-2. Therefore, if the REC(recording) mode is not set, no recording action is performed even ifthe REC switch 52 is on.

Step #N-2: A check is made for "0000" of the memory address N whichindicates that the head 3-1 has gained access to an unrecorded track. Ifthe track accessed is found recorded, the flow of operation comes backto the step #A-14 of FIG. 6. If the track is unrecorded, the flow comesto a step #N-3.

Step #N-3: A check is made to see if the field flag is set. If so, theflow of operation comes to a step #N-5. If not, it proceeds to a step#N-4.

Step #N-4: The flow of operation comes to this step when the framerecording mode has been set. At this step, a check is made to find ifthe address N+1 of the memory is at "0000" thus indicating that thetrack accessed by the head 3-2 is unrecorded. If the track is notunrecorded, the flow of operation comes back to the step #A-14 of FIG.6. If the track is unrecorded, the REC LED 44B has been flickering. Inthe case of the unrecorded track, the flow branches out to a step #N-6.

Step #N-5: One field portion of a video signal is recorded by the head3-1 in the track to which the head 3-1 has access on the magnetic sheet1.

Step #N-6: The frame recording mode has been selected when the flow ofoperation comes to this step. Therefore, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 recordone-field portions of a video signal in two tracks on the magnetic sheet1 respectively. Upon completion of recording, the stepping motor 24 isoperated to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 inward to the extent of onetrack.

Further, in carrying out the steps #N-5 and -6, the switches SW2 to SW5are operated in the manner as described with reference to FIG. 2.

Step #N-7: The REC-in-process flag is set.

Step #N-8: The subroutine (D) is called. If the head 3-1 has access to atrack other than the 50th track, the flow of operation shifts from thesteps #D-1 and -2 to the step #D-3. Then, the flow shifts from the step#D-3 to the step #D-13 to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 inward to theextent of one track. In the case of the frame recording mode, the heads3-1 and 3-2 have already been shifted inward to the extent of one trackat the step #N-6. In that case, therefore, the head 3-1 comes to gainaccess to a track located next to the track recorded at the step #N-6although the embodiment is in the frame recording mode. In the eventthat the tracks to be used for recording by the heads 3-1 and 3-2already have existing records, the REC LED 44B which is shown in FIG. 3make a blinking display to give a warning to the operator. After that,the flow of operation branches from the step #D-15 to the step D-19 andthen from the step #D-19 to the steps #D-2 to #D-34 to carry out thesesteps. More specifically, in case that the track feed speed settingvalue is for a single performance, the flow branches from the step #D-21to the step #D-34. Then, in accordance with the REC-in-process flagwhich has been set at the step #N-7, the flow comes back to the step#N-9. In case that the track feed speed for two picture planes persecond or five picture planes per second has been set, subtraction ismade from the value of the wait timer register as much as a period oftime required for recording at the step #D-28. With the value of thewait timer register down counted, when the value of the register becomeszero, the flow of operation comes back from the step φD-33 via the step#D-34 to the step #N-9 according to the REC-in-process flag set at thestep #N-7 in the same manner as mentioned above.

Step #N-9: The REC-in-process flag is cleared.

Step #N-10: The step is similar to the step φD-20. Data of the trackfeed speed setting value is taken in from the memory.

Step #N-11: If the track feed speed setting value is for a singleperformance, the flow of operation comes to a step #N-12. If not, itcomes back to the step #A-14 shown in FIG. 6.

Step #N-12d: With the track feed speed set for the single performance,this step is repeated to prevent recording from being performed byrepeating this step to have the subroutine (N) carried out.

In case that the track feed speed is set at a value not for the singleperformance and that the REC switch 52 is in an ON state, the flow comesfrom the step #N-11 via the step #N-14 to the step #A-1. Then, at thestep #A-2, the subroutine (N) is called out to carry out the subroutine.Thus, as long as the REC switch 52 remains in the ON state, recording iscontinuously performed at the set track feed speed. If the REC switch 52is in an OFF state, the flow of operation comes from the step #N-12 tothe steps #A-14, #A-1 and #A-2. However, the continuous recording comesto an end at the step #A-2 without calling the subroutine (N).

Referring to FIG. 13, a subroutine (H) which is called when the programsetting switch 58 is turned on is arranged as described below:

Step #H-1: When the program setting switch 58 is found to have beenturned on at the step #A-8 of FIG. 6, the flow of operation comes tothis step. A check is made to find if the PB mode flag has been set. Ifso, the flow proceeds to a step #H-2. If not, it comes back to the step#A-1 of FIG. 6 (RTS). This step #H-1 is provided for inhibiting programsetting in the recording mode. In this embodiment, the reproduction modemust be selected before setting a program. Then, program setting isperformed while confirming on a monitor the video signal recorded in themagnetic sheet 1.

The change-over to the reproducing mode can be automatically effected byautomatically setting the PB mode flag when the program setting switch58 is turned on. For this automatic shift, the step #H-1 may be replacedwith a step similar to the step #C-5.

Step #H-2: During the process of programed reproduction using aprogramed track memory which is arranged to store a program as shown inFIG. 14, the content of a register I showing an address of the programedtrack number at which the number of a track to be next reproduced ischanged to zero.

Step #H-3: A programed reproduction mode flag which indicates selectionof the programed reproduction mode is set. The flow then comes back tothe step #A-1.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a subroutine (I) which is to be calledwhen the programed track setting switch 62 is turned on after theprogramed reproduction mode is set by the subroutine (H). The subroutine(I):

Step #I-1: A check is made to see if the programed reproduction modeflag has been set. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #I-2.If not, it branches out to the step #A-1. Therefore, with the programedreproduction mode not set by the program setting switch 58, no programsetting action is performed even when the programed track setting switchis operated.

Step #I-2: A register S which is initially set at a state of S=0 whenthe power supply is switched on at the step #1 indicates the foremostaddress storing the program of the above stated programed track memory.At the step #I-2, data which is the same as the content of the registerS is written into a register M.

Step #I-3: The data of the programed track memory stored at the registerM is stored at an address which is larger by one than the above statedaddress. In other words, the track number indicating data stored at theprogramed track memory is stored at another address which is larger byone than the address storing the data.

Step #I-4: A value obtained by adding one to the content of the registerM is written into a register I.

Step #I-5: One is subtracted from the content of the register M.

Step #I-6: A check is made as to whether or not the content of theregister M is not greater than zero. If it is found zero or less thanzero, the flow proceeds to a step #I-7. If it is found greater thanzero, it branches out to the step #I-3.

The loop of steps #I-3 to #I-6 are repeated until the content of theregister becomes zero. When it becomes zero, all the data stored at theaddresses of the programed track memory are respectively transferred toaddresses larger by one. Therefore, when the flow comes from the step#I6 to a step #I-7 after repeating the loop of steps, no data is storedat the address 1 of the programed track memory.

Step #I-7: The number of a track to which the head 3-1 has access isstored at the address 1 of the programed track memory. Therefore, withthe programed track setting switch 62 turned on, the number of a trackhaving the recorded video signal thereof being reproduced by the head3-1 is programed.

Step #I-8: One is added to the content of the register S. With this stepperformed, the foremost address (the largest address) of data of theprogramed track memory shifted by execution of the loop of steps #I-3 to#I-6 is always stored at the register S.

Step #I-9: This step is repeated while the programed track settingswitch 62 is in an ON state. When the switch turns off, the flow ofoperation comes back to the step #A-1.

In case that the operator further proceeds with program setting, thetrack UP switch 54 or the track DOWN switch 55 is turned on to changethe tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are to be shifted. Whenreproduction is made from a desired track, program setting can beaccomplished by turning on the programed track setting switch 62 whileconfirming a picture thus reproduced.

The data stored at each of addresses of the programed track memory shownin FIG. 14 comes to be stored at a larger address one by one every timethe programed track setting switch 62 is turned on. During the processof program setting, the registers S and I have exactly the same contentas each other.

With a program set by turning on the program setting switch 58 and theprogramed track setting switch 62, the program is reproduced by aprogram reproducing operation. Programs for execution of the programedreproduction and an interval reproducing operation which is carried outby reproducing records at set intervals one after another from recordedtracks accessed by the heads 3-1 are as described below with referenceto FIGS. 16 to 18:

FIG. 16 shows a subroutine (K) which is called when the start switch 60is turned on. The subroutine (K) consists of the following steps:

Step #K-1: With the start switch 60 found to have turned on at the step#A-11 of FIG. 6, the flow of operation comes to this step to make acheck to see if the PB mode flag has been set. If not, the flow comes tothe step #A-1. If the flag is set, the flow comes to a step #K-2. Inthis embodiment, therefore, neither interval reproduction nor programedreproduction are possible if the reproduction mode is not set.Therefore, interval reproduction or program reproduction can beprevented from being accidentally started even if the start switch 60 isturned on by mistake when the embodiment is in the recording mode. Thisarrangement, however, may be changed to permit starting intervalreproduction or programed reproduction immediately by just turning onthe start switch without setting the reproduction mode set beforehand.In the case of that modification, the step #K-1 is replaced with a stepsimilar to the step #C-5.

Step #K-2: A check is made to see if the programed reproduction modeflag has been set. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #K-3. If not, itbranches to a step #K-4. In the case that the programed reproductionmode flag is not set, i.e. in carrying out interval reproduction, theflow of operation takes place in the following manner:

Step #K-4: A check is made to see if the address N of the memory is at"0000" indicating that the head 3-1 has gained access to an unrecordedtrack. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #K-6. If not, itproceeds to a step #K-5. In the case that the track accessed by the head3-1 is not recorded, the flow of operation from the step #K-6 is asfollows:

In the embodiment described below, if the track accessed by the head 3-1is not the 49th nor 50th track, only recorded tracks are reproduced oneafter another beginning with the accessed track. If the track is eitherthe 49th or 50th track, recorded tracks are reproduced beginning withthe first track. However, this arrangement can be changed to have thereproduction of recorded tracks begin always from the first track byinserting an additional step of driving the stepping motor 24 to causethe head 3-1 to gain access to the first track in between the steps #K-2and #K-4.

This arrangement is highly advantageous in carrying out a look-upoperation by automatic interval reproduction starting with the firsttrack one after another in the event that the head 3-1 has access to atrack other than the first track.

Step #K-6: An automatic track feeding flag is set indicating that aninterval reproducing operation is in process.

Step #K-7: A check is made to see if the field flag has been set. If so,the flow of operation proceeds to a step #K-8. If not, it branches to astep #K-9.

Step #K-8: The register N is checked to find if it is at 50 thusindicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is the innermosttrack. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #K-10. If not, itcomes to a step #K-11.

Step #K-9: The register N is checked to find if it is at 49 thusindicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is in the innermostposition but one. If so, the flow proceeds to the step #K-10. If not, itcomes to the step #K-11.

Step #K-10: The interval time Ti which is set by execution of thesubroutine (G) is checked to find if it is at "0" thus indicating a modein which the head 3-1 is to be shifted in accordance with a presetprogram in response to an external trigger signal as will be describedlater. If the interval time Ti is set at "0" because of that mode, theflow branches out to the step #A-1. If not, it comes to a step #K-12.

Step #K-11: The subroutine (D) is called to execute steps #D-1 to #D-18.The PB mode flag is set when the subroutine (D) is called during theexecution of the subroutine (K). Therefore, the flow of operationbranches from the step #D-2 to the step #D-9. Then, the heads 3-1 and 32are shifted inward to an extent of two tracks at steps #D-12 and #D-13if a track located more inward by one track than the track accessed bythe head 3-1 is found to be the inner side track of the two trackshaving a frame video signal recorded therein and if the head 3-1 is nothaving access to the 49th track at the step #K4. If not, the heads 3-1and 3-2 are shifted inward to an extent of only one track at the step#D-13. Further, if a frame video signal is recorded in the tracksaccessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the field flag is cleared and theflow of operation shifts from the step #D-19 to a step #K-14.

Step #K-12: The subroutine (E) is called. The steps #E-1 to #E-13 and#D-14 to #D-19 are carried out. In case that a frame video signal isfound at the step #K-4 to be recorded in two tracks located adjacent toand on the outer side of a track accessed by the head 3-1, the heads 3-1and 3-2 are shifted outward to the extent of two tracks at steps #E-12and #E-13. With the exception of this case, the heads are shiftedoutward to the extent of only one track. Further, like in the case ofthe step #K-11, if a frame video signal is recorded in the tracksaccessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the field flag is cleared and theflow shifts from the step #D-19 to a step #K-13.

Step #K-13: The content of the register N is checked to see if it is 1thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is the outermosttrack. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #K-14. If not, it branches outto the step #K-12. Therefore, in case that the flow of operationbranches to the step #K-12 from the step #K-8 or #K-9 with the head 3-1gaining access to the 49th or 50th track, the steps #K-12 and #K-13 arerepeated to bring the head 3-1 to the first track.

Step #K-14: The automatic track feeding flag is cleared.

As mentioned above, when the flow of operation comes from the step #K-4to the step #K-5 with the steps #K-4 to #K-14 carried out, the head 3-1comes to have access to a track having a video signal recorded therein.All the tracks having no video signal recorded therein are skipped overand substantially not reproduced.

Further, when the flow comes from the step #K-4 to the step #K-5 withthe steps #K-4 to #K-14 executed, if a frame video signal is recorded intwo tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the filed flag has beencleared at the step #D-18 of the subroutine (D). In that event,therefore, a frame reproduction mode is automatically set. Further, iffield video signals are recorded in tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and3-2, a field reproduction mode is automatically set. In the event ofinterval reproduction, therefore, the embodiment is automatically set inthe optimum reproduction mode according to the manner in which the videosignal is recorded.

Step #K-5: The interval time Ti set by the subroutine (G) is taken intothe CPU 40 from the memory.

Step #K-15: A check is made to see if the interval time Ti is at "0" ina manner similar to the step #K-10. If so, the flow branches out to astep #K-17. If not, it comes to a step #K-16. Assuming that no externaltrigger mode is set in this case, the flow of operation at the step#K-16 and steps ensuing it is as follows:

Step #K-16: The timer 1 begins to count time. The flow comes to a step#K-18.

Step #K-18: A check is made to see if the timer 1 has counted onesecondond. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #K-19. If not, the flowbranches out to a step #K-20.

Step #K-20: A check is made to see if the stop switch 61 is in an ONstate. If so, the flow branches out to the step #A-1. If not, it comesto a step #K-21. With the flow branches to the step #A-1, the steps #A-1to #A-12 are executed. Therefore, when the stop switch 61 is turned onunder a normal condition, the flow calls a subroutine (M) at the step#A-12. The subroutine (M) is as described below with reference to FIG.17:

Step #M-1: A check is made to see if the programed reproduction modeflag is set. If not, the flow comes to the step #A-14. If the flag isset, the flow proceeds to a step #M-2.

Step #M-2: A check is made to see if a programed reproduction executionflag is set. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #M-3. If not, itbranches out to a step #M-4.

Step #M-3: The content of the register I is equalized with that of theregister S.

Step #M-4: The content of the register S is shifted to zero. Then, thestep #M-3 is executed.

Further details of the subroutine (M) will be described later along withthe programed reproduction mode. The flow of operation at a step #K-21and steps ensuing it is as follows:

Step #K-21: A check is made to see if the track UP switch 54 is on. Ifthe switch is found to be on, the subroutine (D) is called to shift theheads 3-1 and 3-2 inward. If not, the flow proceeds to a step K-22.

Step #K-22: The track DOWN switch 55 is checked to see if it is on. Ifit is, the subroutine (E) is called to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2outward. If not, the flow of operation branches out to the step #K-18.

Step #K-19: One is subtracted from the interval time Ti taken in fromthe memory.

Step #K-23: If the interval time Ti is zero, the flow proceeds to a step#K-24. If not, the flow branches to the step #K-16.

During interval reproduction, images recorded in tracks neighboring thetracks under the reproducing operation thus can be reproduced by turningon the track UP switch 54 and the track DOWN switch 55 with the abovestated steps #K-15 to #K-23 carried out. In that instance, the track tobe reproduced at the track feeding speed set by the subroutine (F) canbe automatically renewed from one track to another by keeping the switch54 or 55 in its ON state. Therefore, an image preceding by severalpicture planes can be readily reproduced during the intervalreproduction.

Further, in reproducing the images recorded in the tracks neighboringthe track under the reproducing operation by turning on the track UPswitch 54 and the track DOWN switch 55, if the reproducing operation isperformed for the remaining period of the interval time Ti of the trackunder the reproducing operation, the flow of operation according to thearrangement of this embodiment shifts from the step #K-23 to the step#K-24 to renew the reproducing track. However, this arrangement may bechanged to reset the interval time Ti to enable the operator to observethe image renewed by the switch 54 or 55 for a predetermined period oftime without fail by allowing the flow of operation to jump to the step#K-5 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 16.

Step #K-24: At the time of renewal of the reproducing track after theend of the interval time Ti, a check is made to see if the programedreproduction mode has been set. If so, the flow branches to the step#K3. If not, it branches to the step #K-6.

FIG. 18 shows a subroutine (O) which is called when the programedreproduction mode flag is found to be not set at the step #K-2. Thesubroutine (O) is as described below with reference to FIG. 18:

Step #0-1: The register S is checked to see if its content is "0". Ifso, the flow comes to the step #A-1. If not, it proceeds to a step #O2.As mentioned in the foregoing, the foremost address of the programedtrack memory at which a program is set is stored at the register S. Whenthe content of the register S is "0", it indicates that no program isstored. In this instance, therefore, the flow of operation comes back tothe subroutine (A).

Step #0-2: A check is made to see if the content of the register I is"0". If so, the flow proceeds to a step #O-3. If not, the flow branchesout to a step #O-5.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the address of the track memory storingthe number of a track to be next reproduced during the execution ofprogramed reproduction is stored at the register I. During the programedreproduction, one is subtracted from the register I every time one stepof programed reproduction is performed. Therefore, the fact that theflow comes to the step #O-2 and the register I is found to be at "0"does not indicates that the register S is at "0" with a program set butindicates completion of execution of one round of steps of programedreproduction. In other words, with the programed reproduction havingbeen performed once, the flow of operation comes to a step #O-3. If theprogramed reproduction is still in process, the flow branches to a step#O-5.

Step #O-3: The interval time Ti set by the subroutine (G) is taken in. Acheck is made to see if the interval time Ti is at "0". If so, the flowcomes to the subroutines (O) and (K) and then comes back to the step#A-1 to complete the programed reproduction.

Therefore, in the external trigger mode which is set with the intervaltime set at "0", a program reproducing operation comes to a stop uponcompletion of execution of one round of the programed reproduction.

In the case of normal programed reproduction for which the interval timeTi is set at a value other than "0", the flow shifts to a step #O-4.

Step #O-4: The content of the register S is written into the register I.Then, the programed action is resumed.

Step #O-5: The data (I) of an address of the programed track memorywhich is set at the register I (indicating data written in an addressset at the register I of the programed track memory by parenthesizing I)is read out.

Step #O-6: the data (I) is subtracted from the content of the register Nindicating the number of a track to which the head 3-1 presently gainsaccess. If the result of subtraction is not less than "0", the flowcomes to a step #O-9. If it is less than "0", the flow comes to a step#O-7.

Step #O-7: The field flag is set for the purpose of inhibiting the headsfrom being shifted in the frame mode in the same manner as in the caseof the step #D-8.

Step #O-8: The heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted outward to an extentcorresponding to one track.

Step #O-9: A check is made to see if the number of a track to which thehead 3-1 has access as indicated by the register N is equal to the data(I) . If so, the flow comes to a step #O-11. If not and the data (I) islarger, the flow comes to a step #O-10.

Step #O-10: The heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to the extentcorresponding to one track.

Steps #O-11, #O-12 and #O-13: These steps are similar to the steps#D-16, #D-17 and #D-18. Either frame reproduction or field reproductionis automatically performed according to whether the video signalrecorded by these steps is a frame video signal or field video signal.

Further, the head 3-1 is controlled by repeating the steps #O-6 to #O-10to have access to tracks programed at the programed track memory.

Steps #O-14: One is subtracted from the register I. With this stepperformed, the flow can be branched by making a check at the step #K-24to see if the program reproduction mode flag is set.

Step #0-15: A programed reproduction-in-process flag is set.

Therefore, when the subroutine (O) is called at the step #K-2, a checkis first made for an actual set state of a reproduction program.Further, a check is made to see if the external trigger mode has beenset. If the external trigger mode is found to have been set, the programis executed only once. With the exception of this, the programedreproduction is performed in a repeating manner.

The flow of operation in the external trigger mode is as follows: Inthis instance, the flow branches from the step #K-15 to a step #K-17'.

Step #K-17': A check is made to find whether a printer connected to theembodiment as an external device is busy (performing a printing action).If so, the flow of operation comes to the step #A-1. If not, it branchesout to a step #K-18'.

Step #K-18': A print start signal is sent to the printer. The printstart signal can be sent by making high the signal level of a terminalconnected to the printer.

Step #K-19': There obtains a wait state for 150 m.second.

Step #K-20': If the printer is busy, the flow of operation comes to astep #K-21'. If not, the flow branches out to a step #K-24.

Step #K-21': The stop switch 61 is checked for an ON state thereof. Ifnot, the flow comes to the step #K-20'. If the switch 61 is found to beturned on, the flow comes back to the step #A-1.

If the printer which is connected as an external device is found busy inexecuting the steps #K-17' to #K-21', the flow of operation comes backto the step #A-1 as mentioned above. In that instance, the flow shown inFIG. 16 is repeated until another switch is turned on. During thisrepeating process, when the start switch is again turned on, the abovestated flow of operation is repeated to carry out the step #K-17'.

In case that the printer is not connected as an external device, aterminal which is arranged to receive a signal from the busy signaloutput terminal of the printer 13' as shown in FIG. 1 opens to have ahigh level there. This causes the flow of operation to come back torepeat the above stated flow. Therefore, in the event that no externaldevice such as the printer is connected although the external triggermode is set, the record of the tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2have access is continuously reproduced and the reproducing tracks arenot renewed.

Further, with the printer connected as an external device, if theprinter is not busy and the flow proceeds from the step #k-17' to thestep #K-18', a printer start action begins when the the wait time of 150m.second of the step #K-19' elapses after a print start signal isapplied to the printer. Then, when the printer thus becomes busy, thesteps #K-20' and #K-21' are repeated until either the action of theprinter comes to an end or the stop switch 60 is turned on. When theaction of the printer comes to an end, the flow branches from the step#K-20' to a step #K-24. At this step, a check is made to find if theprogramed reproduction mode has been set. If so, the flow branches tothe step #K-3. If not, it branches to the step #K-6. Further, in casethat the stop switch 60 is turned on, the flow of operation is performedin the same manner as described in the foregoing.

When the external trigger mode is selected in the programed reproductionmode, programed reproduction is performed and comes to a stop at the endof one performance of reproduction as mentioned at the step #O-3 in theforegoing.

In accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, even in case thatthe programed reproduction mode is not set while the external triggermode has been selected, the provision of the step #K-10 brings areproducing operation to a stop when the records of the tracks arereproduced one after another once from the tracks accessed by the heads3-1 and 3-2 to the last track. Therefore, in the external trigger mode,reproduction comes to a stop irrespective as to whether the programedreproduction is set or not set. Therefore, with a printer used as anexternal triggering device, printing is performed only once.

In cases other than the external trigger mode, after reproduction isperformed once in the predetermined sequence, reproduction is againperformed from the beginning irrespective as to whether the programedreproduction mode is set or not set. Therefore, with the exception ofthe external trigger mode, the so-called endless reproduction can beperformed as the reproduction is thus arranged to be repeated in thepredetermined sequence.

While the printer is described by way of example as an externaltriggering device usable in combination with the embodiment, theexternal device is not limited to a printer but may be a device havingan electrically transmitting function or a device for processing areproduced signal.

In the embodiment described, a disc-shaped magnetic sheet having aplurality of tracks in which blocks of information are recorded isemployed as a storage medium. However, in accordance with thisinvention, the storage medium may be an optical medium such as anoptical disc or may be a tape-shaped storage medium or a solid statememory such as a semiconductor memory.

As regards the reproducing means for reproducing information from thestorage medium, suitable means is selected according to the kind of thestorage medium employed. For example, a magnetic head is used if amagnetic storage medium is employed. An optical head is used for opticalstorage medium. In the event of a solid-state memory, means for havingaccess to each of blocks of the memory is used as the reproducing means.

In accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, as mentioned inthe foregoing, a recording speed is selectable from among singleperformance speeds for two picture planes per second, for five pictureplane per second and for ten picture planes per second in the case ofthe field recording mode; and between single performance speeds for twopicture planes per second and for five picture planes per second in thecase of the frame recording mode. In case that the field recording modeis changed over to the frame recording mode when the recording speed forten picture planes per second is set in the field recording mode, therecording speed is automatically changed to the speed for five pictureplanes per second. The recording speed is thus effectively inhibitedfrom being set at a speed for ten picture planes per second in the framerecording mode. Further, these setting values are arranged to bedisplayed by means of the two-place, seven-segment LED as shown in FIG.3. This display arrangement ensures excellent operability for theoperator.

In the embodiment described, a first recording mode in which apredetermined amount of information is to be recorded is arranged to bethe field recording mode and a secondond recording mode in which agreater amount of information is to be recorded as the frame recordingmode. However, the first and secondond recording modes according to thisinvention is of course not limited to the field and frame recordingmodes.

Further, in this embodiment, the control means for repeating therecording operation in the first or secondond recording mode at apredetermined speed is arranged in the form of the subroutine (D) or (E)shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. Further, the recording speed setting means ofthis embodiment is arranged to be the track feed speed setting switch 56and the subroutine (F) which is called by turning on the switch 56.However, the recording speed may be arranged to be directly set, forexample, by means of ten key arrangement or some other suitable means,such as mechanical setting means operated by a dial or the like. When arecording speed at which the embodiment is inoperable in the secondondrecording mode is set after change-over from the first recording mode tothe secondond recording mode, the embodiment performs the subroutine (J)shown in FIG. 9 and more particularly the steps #J-1, -5, -6 and -7 ofthe subroutine.

Further, the embodiment is arranged to limit the recording speed settingrange of the secondond recording mode to be narrower than that of thefirst recording mode by the subroutine (F) and particularly by the steps#F-16, -19 and -18 of the subroutine. However, in accordance with thisinvention, this arrangement may be replaced with some hardware logicarrangement or with some mechanical means for mechanically limiting therotation of a dial in case where the recording speed is to bemechanically set by a dial.

In accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, the recordingspeed is controlled within an apposite setting range according to therecording mode selected. Therefore, the apparatus is effectivelyprevented from being set at an inoperable recording speed.

In the embodiment, when a signal designating a sequence in which theblocks of information recorded on the recording medium is to bereproduced is stored in storage means, the information recorded in eachof the blocks is reproduced according to the designating signal.Therefore, unlike the conventional arrangement wherein a program settingaction is performed separately from a reproducing action on recordedinformation, the embodiment has an excellent operability.

The conventional reproducing apparatuses for reproducing recordedinformation from a storage means which has information recorded in aplurality of blocks include the reproducing apparatus of the kindreproducing a still picture signal recorded on a magnetic sheet called aSV floppy disc like in the case of this embodiment. The apparatus ofthis kind can be arranged to have an automatic reproducing functionwhereby reproduction is either continuously performed for apredetermined period of time at a time from tracks beginning with afirst track one after another or, as known for record players, performedin accordance with a program defining a predetermined reproducingsequence.

In setting a program with a predetermined reproducing sequence, theprogram can be set without difficulty if what is recorded in which ofthe blocks is known beforehand. If not, it is necessary to reproduce therecorded information for confirmation of records of these blocks insetting the program. However, in accordance with the arrangement of theconventional apparatus, a reproducing action on recorded information isperformed separately from a program setting action. This has presented aproblem in terms of operability. Whereas, this embodiment solves theproblem by reproducing the recorded information in storing thereproducing sequence of these blocks at the storage means as mentionedabove.

Further, the programed track memory shown in FIG. 14 is arranged tostore the signal designating the reproducing sequence of blocks throughthe execution of the subroutines shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. In storingthe reproducing sequence designating signal at the storage means,control means which causes the above stated reproducing means toreproduce the information recorded in the block according to thedesignating signal is arranged to be the step #I-7 whereby the number ofa track accessed by the head 3-1 is stored at the address 1 of theprogramed track memory when the programed track setting switch 62 isturned on in the PB mode which has been set at the step #H-1. In short,in the case of this embodiment, the signal designating the reproducingsequence, i.e. the number of a block being reproduced is arranged to bestored at the storage means by turning on the programed track settingswitch under the condition of having the record of a desired blockreproduced from a record bearing medium. However, this arrangement maybe changed to enable the reproducing means to automatically performreproduction according to the number by storing at the storage means thenumber of each block desired to be included in setting up a program.

As mentioned in the foregoing, it is an advantageous feature of thisembodiment that: If a reproducing block is changed over to another blockby a shifting instruction while reproduction is being performed in apredetermined sequence, the record of the new block is reproduced onlyfor a predetermined period of time and, after the lapse of thepredetermined period of time, the reproduction in the predeterminedsequence is resumed. This arrangement gives an advantages in terms ofoperability, because:

The conventional reproducing apparatuses for reproducing informationfrom storage means which has information recorded in a plurality ofblocks therein include the reproducing apparatus for reproducing a stillpicture signal recorded in each of tracks formed on a magnetic sheetcalled an SV floppy disc as in the case of the present embodiment ofthis invention. In the conventional reproducing apparatus of this kind,a control circuit is provided for causing a reproducing sequencedesignating signal for still pictures recorded in the tracks of themagnetic sheet to be reproduced at predetermined time intervals from thetracks of the magnetic sheet starting with the first track thereof.Further, if a shift instruction is generated at a point of time halfwayin the predetermined period of time of reproduction from one of thetracks of the magnetic sheet, the reproducing track is changed from thepresent track to another. In that event, therefore, the apparatus cannotbe brought back to a state of reproducing in the predetermined sequencewith the record of the present track further reproduced at the time ofchange-over of the reproducing track (or block). Whereas, in accordancewith the arrangement of the embodiment of this invention, even in casethat the record of another block is reproduced in response to a shiftinstruction, the reproducing means resumes reproduction in thepredetermined reproducing sequence in response to a signal from a signalgenerating means which generates the signal again designating thereproducing sequence after the lapse of a predetermined period of timefrom the receipt of the shift instruction. The operability of theapparatus is improved by this.

Further, in the embodiment, when the programed reproduction mode is set,signal generating means for generating a signal according to adesignated reproducing sequence includes the programed track memoryshown in FIG. 14; the subroutine (K) is called out when the start switch60 is turned on; and the subroutine (D) which is further called in thesubroutine (K) and is arranged to gradually read out the program fromthe track memory. If the programed reproduction mode is not selected,the signal according to the designated reproducing sequence is generatedfor automatic renewal of the reproducing track by the steps #K-4 to -14of the subroutine (K) which is called when the start switch 60 is turnedon. The means for generating the shift instruction is arranged tocomprise the track UP switch 54 and the track DOWN switch 55. Thecontrol means for causing the reproducing means to perform a reproducingaction for a predetermined period of time on a block other than a blockpresently under reproduction when the above stated shift instruction isgenerated at a point of time halfway in the process of reproduction andto resume the original reproducing operation according to the signalfrom the above stated signal generating means includes the subroutine(K) and particularly the subroutines (D) and (E) to be called out at thesteps #K-15 to #K-24 and steps #K-21 and -22 of the subroutine (K). Theabove stated predetermined period of time may be the interval time setfor reproduction of records of blocks in the designated sequence asmentioned in the description of the step #K-23 or may be the remainderof the interval time left for the block under reproduction when theshift instruction is generated, or may be any other set period of time.

In this embodiment, the action of the recording or reproducing meanssuch as a recording or reproducing period is controlled by controlling amotor with the output of a reference signal generator. Therefore, theembodiment dispenses with any additional time counting circuit speciallyfor that purpose. More specifically, a recording or reproducingapparatus for recording or reproducing information on or from a mediumnecessitates use of various timers, for example, in setting a period oftime for reproducing signals recorded on a recording medium or insetting a timing for recording a signal on the recording medium.Generally, a time counting circuit is arranged specially for thatpurpose. However, the use of this circuit has resulted in a more complexarrangement of the apparatus. Whereas, in this embodiment, thearrangement in combination of the means for recording or reproducingwith either the recording medium or the recording head rotated to shiftits position relative to the other; first signal generating means forgenerating a first signal every time the rotation comes to apredetermined phase; reference signal generating means for generating areference signal for controlling the rotation; first control means forcontrolling the rotation by comparing the phase of the first signal withthat of the reference signal; and secondond control means forcontrolling the action of the recording or reproducing means by countingthe reference signal obviates the necessity of the time counting (ortimer) circuit mentioned above.

In case that the first signal cannot be obtained with neither therecording medium nor the recording head is rotated when the recording orreproducing period of time is to be controlled by counting the firstsignal generated by the first signal generating means, it is impossibleto control the action of the recording or reproducing means, such as arecording or reproducing period of time. However, since the embodimentis arranged to count another reference signal separately from countingthe first signal generated by the first signal generating means, theaction of the recording or reproducing means such as the recording orreproducing period of time still can be controlled even in that event.

In the embodiment described, the means of recording or reproducing byrotating either the recording medium or the recording head to shift itsposition relative to the other consists of a rotary magnetic sheet 1 andthe heads 3-1 and 3-2 which are arranged to record or reproduce signalson or from the magnetic sheet 1. However, in accordance with thisinvention, the recording medium is not limited to a magnetic medium butmay be of some different kind such as an optical disc. The recording orreproducing means may be composed of rotary heads like in the case of aVTR. In this specific embodiment, the above stated first signalgenerating means for generating the first signal every time the rotationcomes to a predetermined phase is arranged in the form of the PG coil 21and the wave form shaping circuit 22. However, the first signalgenerating means may be arranged to generate a signal every time therotation of the rotary head comes to a predetermined phase in case whererecording or reproduction is arranged to be performed by a rotary headlike in the case of a VTR. The reference signal generating means forgenerating a reference signal for controlling the above stated rotationis arranged in the form of the reference signal generator 19. The firstcontrol means for controlling the above stated rotation by comparing thephase of the first signal with that of the reference signal is arrangedin the form of the motor control circuit 23. The secondond control meansfor controlling the action of the recording or reproducing means bycounting the reference signal is arranged in the form of the CPU 40which performs the flow of operation at the steps #D-21 to #D-23 asshown in FIG. 8A.

Further, this embodiment operates, on the basis of the result ofdiscrimination made by discriminating means which discriminates the kindof information recorded in each of the blocks of the storage means,either in the first control mode in which change-over between the firstand secondond reproducing modes is automatically effected and thesecondond control mode in which the secondond reproducing mode isselected. The first reproducing mode thus can be arranged to be notarbitrarily selectable.

In other words, an apparatus like this embodiment has a first recordingor reproducing mode in which plurality of blocks are alternately usedfor recording or reproduction and a secondond recording or reproducingmode in which one of the plurality of blocks is continuously used forreproduction. For example, one is a frame recording/reproducing mode inwhich each of two tracks having one of two interlaced field videosignals is subjected to recording or reproduction alternately with theother. The other mode is a field recording/reproducing mode in whichonly one of the two tracks is subjected to recording or reproduction. Inrecording, identification codes are added to still picture signals topermit a discrimination at the time of reproduction between a block (ortrack) having the signal recorded in the frame recording mode andanother block having the signal recorded in the field recording mode. Inreproducing, change-over is automatically effected between a fieldreproduction mode and a frame reproduction mode by making adiscrimination between these identification codes. However, thisarrangement has presented the following program: With such automaticchangeover arranged to be always indiscriminately effected, reproductionwould be undesirably performed, for example, in the frame reproductionmode even in cases where the field reproduction mode is preferable incarrying out, for example, high speed continuous reproduction or highspeed electrical transmission of the signal recorded on the magneticsheet.

Conceivable solutions of this problem include a method of changing thefield and frame reproduction modes from one over to the other by manualchange-over means. However, in accordance with this method, separatelyrecorded field video signals which are not interlaced would bereproduced in the form of a frame video signal.

These problems have been not limited to the apparatuses for recording orreproducing a still picture signal but are common problems with all theapparatuses of the kind having a first reproducing mode in which recordsin at least two of the above stated plurality of blocks are alternatelyreproduced and a secondond reproducing mode in which the record of onlyone of the plurality of blocks is continuously reproduced.

This embodiment is a reproducing apparatus capable of reproducinginformation from storage means on which the information is recorded in aplurality of blocks without incurring these problems. The embodimentcomprises first change-over means for effecting change-over between afirst reproducing mode in which the records of at least two of theplurality of blocks are alternately reproduced and a secondondreproducing mode in which the record of only one of the plurality ofblocks is continuously reproduced; discriminating means fordiscriminating the kind of information recorded in each of these blocks;and secondond change-over means for effecting changeover between a firstcontrol mode in which the first change-over means is controlled on thebasis of the result of discrimination made by the discriminating meansand a secondond control mode in which the first changeover means isshifted into the secondond reproduction mode irrespectively of theresult of discrimination made by the discriminating means. With theembodiment arranged in this manner, it operates either in the firstcontrol mode in which the first and secondond reproduction modes areautomatically changed from one over to the other on the basis of theresult of discrimination made by the means for discriminating the kindof the recorded information or in the secondond control mode in whichthe apparatus is shifted to the secondond reproduction mode. The firstreproduction mode is thus arranged to be not arbitrarily selectable.Therefore, this arrangement of the embodiment precludes the possibilityof erroneous selection of the first reproduction mode. Further, In thisembodiment, when the first change-over means is set for change-overbetween the first reproduction mode in which the records of at least twoof the plurality of blocks are alternately reproduced and the secondondreproduction mode in which the record of only one of the plurality ofblocks is continuously reproduced, field reproduction is performed. Ifthe first change-over means is not set, the field flag is cleared forframe reproduction. The discriminating means for discriminating the kindof the information recorded in the blocks is arranged to be the steps#D-9 to #D-15 shown in FIG. 5.

The secondond change-over means for effecting the change-over betweenthe first control mode in which the first change-over means iscontrolled on the basis of the result of discrimination by thediscriminating means and the secondond control mode in which the firstchange-over means is shifted into the secondond reproduction modeirrespectively of the result of discrimination is arranged to includethe start switch 60 for the programed reproduction or the intervalreproduction for which the field reproduction mode and the framereproduction mode are automatically changed from one over to the otherby setting or clearing the field flag on the basis of the result ofdiscrimination made at the steps #9 to #15 and also the field/frameselection or setting switch 59 which is arranged to have fieldreproduction performed by setting the field flag irrespectively of theresult of discrimination made at the steps #9 to #15.

In this embodiment, a mode in which the apparatus operates in responseto an external trigger signal can be set by utilizing the the intervaltime setting means. This arrangement enhances the operability of theapparatus.

The conventional apparatuses for reproducing information from storagemeans having the information recorded in each of a plurality of blockstherein include apparatuses of the kind arranged to reproduceinformation which is, for example, to be printed with a printer from theblocks by changing the reproducing blocks from one block over to anotherin response to a trigger signal coming from the printer. In theapparatus of this kind, for renewing the reproducing block insynchronism with an external device such as a printer arranged to supplythe trigger signal, the block renewing mode is generally set by means ofan additional switch which is provided specially for this purpose.However, this switch is not necessary for any purpose other thansynchronization with the external device. The conventional settingmethod thus has room for improvement in cases where the reproducingapparatus is often not operated in synchronism with an external device.Whereas, in accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, such anexternal trigger mode can be set by using the interval time settingmeans, so that the structural arrangement of the apparatus can besimplified.

With this invention applied to a recording/reproducing apparatus havingboth the recording and reproducing functions as described in theforegoing, when a reproduction preparing action begins, the embodimentis set into the reproducing mode in which the record block to bereproduced is automatically renewed. This arrangement facilitates alook-up operation for the operator.

The means for starting the reproduction preparing action is arranged tobe the means for effecting a power supply to the apparatus in responseto an operation on the power supply switch. However, the starting meansmay be arranged to be change-over means for changing the recording modeover to the reproduction mode in stead of the power supply means or maybe means for actuating applicable circuit parts by detecting insertionof the magnetic sheet 1 into the slot shown in FIG. 3.

In the embodiment, the change-over means for change-over between a firstreproduction mode in which reproduction is performed by automaticallyrenewing the record block to be reproduced and the secondondreproduction mode in which the record block to be reproduced is notrenewed is arranged to be the steps #D-21 to -33 of the subroutine (D)whereby the track feeding speed is controlled according to a track feedspeed setting value obtained by the subroutine (F) called when the trackfeed speed setting switch 56 is turned on. However, the track feed speedsetting method may be replaced with, for example, a method of directlysetting it by means of a ten-key arrangement or some other suitablemethod.

When the reproduction preparing action is initiated by the reproductionpreparation starting means, the control means for setting the abovestated change-over means into the first reproduction mode is arranged toobtain in response to switching on of the power supply a track feedspeed setting value for two pictures per second as shown at the step #1in FIG. 5. However, the setting value may be any value that is otherthen a setting value for single performance requiring no renewal of therecord block to be reproduced.

When the reproduction preparing action begins with the power supplyswitched on, the embodiment is set, as mentioned in the foregoing, intothe first reproduction mode for performing reproduction by automaticallyrenewing the record block to be reproduced. Therefore, tracks areautomatically shifted with the track UP switch 54 or the track DOWNswitch 55 operated. Compared with a case where the secondondreproduction mode in which the record block to be reproduced is notautomatically renewed is selected at the start of preparation forreproduction, the arrangement of this embodiment greatly facilitates aloop-up operation for the operator.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control device for a recording apparatusincluding, as one recording unit, a first recording mode for recordingan image information as one picture and a second recording mode forrecording a larger amount of image information as one picture than theimage information of said first recording mode, comprising:a) controlmeans for repeating said first recording mode or said second recordingmode to record a predetermined number of pictures per unit of time; b)setting means for setting a number of pictures to be recorded per unitof time; c) means for discriminating whether or not the number ofpictures to be recorded per unit of time set by said setting means isinoperable in the second recording mode; and d) means for changing thenumber of pictures to be recorded per unit of time set by said settingmeans, depending upon that said discriminating means discriminates thenumber set by said setting means being inoperable.
 2. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein said information is a video signal, and said firstrecording mode is a field recording mode, and said second recording modeis a frame recording mode.
 3. A device according to claim 1, whereinsaid changing means is arranged to set a maximum number of picturesamong the number of pictures per unit of time operable at the time ofchanging the number of pictures to be recorded per unit of time in thesecond recording mode.
 4. A device according to claim 1, furthercomprising:selecting means for selecting said first recording mode andsaid second recording mode.
 5. A device according to claim 4, whereinsaid selecting means is arranged to select either said first recordingmode or said second recording mode in response to a manual operation. 6.A recording device according claim 1 wherein said setting means isarranged to set said number of pictures in response to a manualoperation.
 7. A method of control for a recording apparatus including,as one recording unit, a first recording mode for recording an imageinformation as one picture and a second recording mode for recording alarger amount of image information as one picture than the imageinformation of said first recording mode, comprising:a) repeating saidfirst recording mode or said second recording mode to record apredetermined number of pictures per unit of time; b) setting a numberof pictures to be recorded per unit of time; c) discriminating whetheror not the number of pictures to be recorded per unit of time set bysaid setting means is inoperable in the second recording mode; and d)changing the number of pictures to be recorded per unit of time set insaid setting step, depending upon that said discriminating stepdiscriminates the number set by said setting step being inoperable.
 8. Amethod according to claim 7, wherein said information is a video signal,and said first recording mode is a field recording mode, and said secondrecording mode is a frame recording mode.
 9. A method according to claim7, wherein said changing step sets a maximum number of pictures amongthe number of pictures per unit of time operable at the time of changingthe number of pictures to be recorded per unit of time in the secondrecording mode.
 10. A method according to claim 7, furthercomprisingselecting said first recording mode and said second recordingmode.
 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said selecting stepselects either said first recording mode or said second recording modein response to a manual operation.